Structured Data Changes in Google Search

Structured data enables web pages to “speak” to search engines. Used properly, your site content can appear as rich snippets in Google Search—star ratings, product details, FAQs, etc. Yet recent Google changes have altered the way that structured data is assessed and shown, and now developers and SEO specialists need to re-strategize.

Whether you are handling SEO with an in-house team or through a Digital Marketing Company in Chennai, it’s important that you keep pace with these developments in order to hold on to your search visibility.

What Is Structured Data?

Simply put, structured data is a form of code—typically implemented in JSON-LD—that makes it easier for search engines to grasp what’s on your page. It uses schema markup from Schema.org to identify various components of your content, including:

• Products
• Reviews
• Events
• Articles
• Videos
• FAQs

If structured data is applied properly, it can make your website rich result in search listings, which usually means improved click-through rates.

Notable Google Structured Data Updates (2024–2025)

Google recently made changes to the way structured data is handled in search. Below are the most notable changes developers should be aware of:

1. Less Rich Results for Specific Content Types

Google has limited the appearance of rich snippets such as star ratings to certain types of content alone. For example:

• Star ratings are displayed only for content tagged as Product or Course.
• Review snippets no longer display for Organization or LocalBusiness schemas.

What this implies: If you were employing structured data to display reviews on your home page or service pages, those stars may no longer show.

2. Focus on First-Party Data

• Google now prioritizes structured data that comes from the website owner.
• Data that is scraped from third-party sources or content syndication can be disregarded.
• Structured data has to exactly mirror the visible content on the page.

Tip: Don’t add incorrect or inflated data to your schema. Google will reward misrepresentative markup.

3. Less Visibility for FAQ and How-To Markups

• Google has reduced the visibility of FAQ and How-To rich results in search results.
• These elements are now only displayed primarily on authoritative, high-authority sites.
• They might not display at all in some areas, particularly on mobile.

Tip: Only use FAQ schema if it really benefits users, and not simply to take up more screen real estate in search.

4. Tougher Requirements for Event Schema

Google is enforcing stricter standards on out-of-date or incorrect event markup. To have your events display in search:

• Make sure dates, locations, and descriptions are correct and align with the visible page.
• Only public, confirmable events are acceptable.

Sample of a valid event markup:

json

Copy

Edit

{ “@context”: “https://schema.org”,

  “@type”: “Event”,

  “name”: “Digital Marketing Workshop”,

  “startDate”: “2025-07-15T18:00”,

  “endDate”: “2025-07-15T21:00”,

  “location”: {

    “@type”: “Place”,

    “name”: “Chennai Convention Center”,

    “address”: “Medavakkam Main Road, Chennai”  }

}

Why These Changes Matter to Developers?

As structured data changes, developers need to keep up to avoid losing great search features.

Search Performance: Flawed or outdated schema can take away your rich results entirely.

Credibility: Schema data inconsistencies with page content can damage user trust.

CTR Impact: Rich snippets tend to increase click-through rates, particularly in competitive markets.

Developer Action Plan

This is how development and SEO teams—either in-house or belonging to a Digital Marketing Company in Medavakkam—can remain compliant:

✅ Regularly Audit Structured Data

Utilize tools such as:

• Google Search Console → Enhancements section
• Rich Results Test
• Schema Markup Validator

✅ Maintain Schema In Sync With Page Content

Make sure all schema elements correspond to actual, visible content. Don’t try to trick Google for short-term gains.

✅ Stay Current

Visit Google’s Search Central Blog for the most recent information on markup best practices.

✅ Utilize Supported Schema Types

Not all types qualify for rich results. Adhere to extensively supported ones such as:

• Product
• Article
• Event
• FAQPage
• VideoObject

Tips for Agencies and Business Teams

Whether you’re an in-house developer or part of a full-service Digital Marketing Company in Chennai, consider these practical tips:

Tip 1: Integrate schema during the design phase—not after launch.

Tip 2: Don’t overload your pages with unnecessary structured data.

Tip 3: Collaborate with your content writers to keep messaging and code aligned.

Tip 4: Test structured data updates on a staging environment before making them live.

Why You Need the Right SEO Partner?

Schema is only a part of a bigger SEO universe. If you want to keep pace with Google’s never-ending updates, it’s wise to hire someone who understands the way things work.

A good Digital Marketing Company in Medavakkam can assist you in:

• Applying correct and optimized schema
• Keeping your site error-free and up to date
• Updating your SEO approach according to Google updates
• Improve technical SEO and user experience

This is particularly crucial for small and medium-sized firms in emerging markets such as Medavakkam, where local SEO is a chief growth driver.

Conclusion: Proceed with SME Digital

Keeping pace with Google’s structured data changes is a team effort—developers, marketers, and SEO specialists must all work together. If you’re looking for expert guidance and reliable execution, SME Digital is a trusted partner for businesses across Chennai and Medavakkam. With a deep focus on technical SEO, SME Digital ensures your website remains optimized, compliant, and competitive in the ever-evolving search landscape.